I have an opportunity to buy a 2002 TL Type S with around 40,000 miles on it from a dealer. It would be certified used, so the powertrain warranty would be in effect until 2009 or 100k miles, but I've heard a lot of horror stories about the transmissions, and that makes me hesitate.

Are these transmission problems really that serious, or were they just on a small percentage of the cars sold? Are there any other trouble spots I should be aware of?

THanks in advance!

 

I have a 02 tl-s that has 73700 miles on it and I am still on the original tranny. The oil jet was installed by the dealer when it came out. Mabey im lucky or it is not most of the cars and some people are just unlucky.

 

It's really hit or miss. I'm on 43k miles with the 2nd tranny. Generally it's not a big deal to get a new one, the dealerships are generally very apt about everything to get you back on the road. The only drag for me was driving to the dealership in 1st gear . But I'd say go for it, it is a fantastic car!

 

You didn't have 2nd gear? Which problem did your transmission fail from? The 2nd gear or the 3rd gear issue?

 

I have 41,800 on my 02 TL-S and I'm on the second tranny. It took a couple trips to the dealer to get the 1st tranny to act up (slip) but they ordered a new on and had it installed three days later. Don't let that keep you from getting a TL-S I love it.

 

Better check the build date - my 2002 TL was built and sold in March 2001, so the transmission warranty expires in March 2008 (well before I hit 100k).

 

48000 on mt 02 TL and no problems. Oil jet installed at about 37000. If I were you I'd go for it.

 

Okay. It's still on the lot after a week or so, so I might get around to making an offer. Suggestions for price? It's an '02 with 42k, paint is in pretty good condition. I guess it blue books around $17k for dealer trade-in.

Are there any other problem areas besides the tranny that I should be on the look-out for?

THanks for all of your advice...it's made me feel a little better. I've wanted a TL-S for like two years now!

 

Hey just some friendly advice...

I would think long and hard if this is something you really want to do.
I did'nt know of any problems with the tranmissions on these cars when I purchsed my 2002 Type S 2 months ago. It was certified and had 37,000 on it. Transmission went out when I had it less than 1 month.

You may be one of the lucky ones and not have to many problems but, just think to yourself is it worth worrying if you tranny will fail today.

One more thing I'm scared of is there is going to be a lot of tl's on the lot when 100,000 hit and that is going to deprecate the cars value if you want to trade it in 4 years from now.

If I had to do it again I would'nt have bought one!